Most likely, each of us has already seen a cat cleaning itself with its tongue – all over its body. There are other reasons for this other than just wanting to be clean. The mother cat cleans her kittens with her tongue at birth, thus arousing their sucking instinct, stimulating digestion and offering a feeling of comfort. After four weeks, the puppies are already strong enough to start cleaning themselves. At 5 weeks of age, kittens begin to clean each other as well as their mother. Mutual care during the litter often continues into adulthood, which serves to strengthen the bonds between cats.
Facial cleansing
Have you ever watched a cat clean its face? Then you definitely notice that it first applies saliva to the inside of its paw, and then with circular motions starts rubbing its nose, from the back onwards. It will then repeat the procedure using semicircular movements to care for the back of the ear on one side, the forehead and the area above the eyes. Then it will do it on the other side. When it has finished cleaning its head, it moves to the front legs, shoulders, hips, anogenital area, hind legs and tail. The order can of course vary and it is not necessary for the cat to clean all the parts at once.
Where do nursing problems arise?
Cleaning definitely has hygienic benefits. It helps eliminate parasites, keeps the cat’s hair clean and smooth, cools the cat’s body, and stimulates the glands to keep the hair impermeable to water. In addition, the cat thus reduces stress, frustration, or anxiety. This is called “displacement behavior”. This occurs when an animal is motivated to perform two or more conflicting behaviors at the same time. In the event that this cannot be achieved, a third behavior that is not in context with the situation emerges. For example, during a social conflict, a cat that feels threatened may be in conflict while fleeing from an attacker or fighting. Trapped, the cat decides to clean up. That should calm her down.
Excessive grooming, in the form of excessive licking, biting, chewing, or sucking on hair or skin, without a basic health reason, usually indicates stress. Common causes of feline stress are: fear, lack of stimulation, loneliness, a new pet in the household, moving to a new household, separation anxiety, or in some cases, early weaning. Excessive care becomes problematic when self-harm results (hair thinning, hair root removal, skin infections). This condition is called “psychogenic alopecia” and is diagnosed when the underlying medical condition cannot be detected. In some cases, over-care may begin merely in response to skin irritation (fleas, allergies, infections), but may escalate into behavioral problems even though the condition has improved. Repetition of (excessive) grooming is called stereotypes that can come and go, depending on the level of stress our cat is experiencing at the time.
Is my cat fond of me?
Cats are basically social animals. In the same way that you show affection for a cat by petting it, the cat will show you affection and trust by licking, just as they do with their siblings or mother. She wants to show you that she would like attention too. They can also lick you to taste substances that are on your skin, such as salt.
Do you need to groom your cat?
If your cat enjoys brushing, then I put it to your heart that you do that too. Cat care can serve to strengthen the bond between you and your pet. It can help you examine your cat and as a preventative to develop any skin problems. But many cats don’t like to be brushed and groomed, which needs to be respected. Cats know best how to take care of themselves. At the same time, it is important that the cat stays indoors to prevent possible accidents, the risk of disease infections, parasites, and encounters with other cats. In this way, you will also contribute to the cleanliness and health of your pet.
Don’t forget, a happy cat is a clean cat!
